Many employees moved to working from home during 2020, and numerous employers are planning on offering staff the option to continue that practice, or to come into the office less frequently. As a result, many people are spending even more time in their homes, so it’s useful to consider air quality in that environment.
A sensible approach to good indoor air quality at home is to use the technology that is already installed. For example, many bathrooms include extractor fans. Use these whenever you have a bath or shower to remove condensation from the air. If left to build up, it can cause damp which leads to mould.
Reduce sources of pollution
Even though they’re very popular, scented candles produce particulate matter that can affect people with asthma and allergies. Wood-burning stoves are also major sources of particulate matter. Use them with caution. The same applies to cleaning products around the home. Use them with windows open, or consider switching to brands that contain fewer toxins. Dusting and sweeping can also increase the presence of irritants that affect lungs and skin, so try to carry out these tasks with the windows open.
Cut down on damp
If your bathroom has an extractor fan, make sure that this is turned on when you have a bath or shower. Some people turn these off because the fan is noisy, but it’s better for IAQ to reduce damp as it can not only cause damage to your home, it also encourages development of mould. In older homes, it may be a good idea to check on your wall and loft insulation as well as water tightness, as this can help to reduce damp by keeping your home warmer. Keep your gas appliances serviced.
For more guidance on dealing with mould and in your your home, A Practical Guide to Mould & Damp Prevention in New and Existing Homes is available to download for free.
Keep your gas appliances serviced
Carbon monoxide is extremely dangerous, so it is important to make sure that gas cookers and gas boilers are regularly checked. It’s also a good idea to have a carbon monoxide monitor in your home. These are readily available and inexpensive.
Review and implement continuous improvement
Indoor air quality can vary, even on an hourly and daily basis. Continuous monitoring is recommended with regular recalibration and updating of policies. Regular cleaning of ductwork and filters should also be considered a key part of air quality improvement. In general, maintenance should be prioritised and indoor air quality made one of its key objectives